Many companies that sell lobster online include free shipping. Below, you’ll find a price grid including companies that offer free shipping for all live lobster orders. The grid example is for 2lb lobsters
| Company | Min. Order | Price/lobster* | Price/4 Lobsters** | Shipping | Go To |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fulton Fish Market | 2 | $47.78 | $191.61 | Free@$99+ | |
| Sanders Lobster | 2 | $50.00 | $200.00 | FREE | |
| Winter Harbor Lobster Co-op | 2 | $72.50 | $289.98 | FREE | |
| Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound | 2 | $58.13 | $232.50 | FREE | |
| Dorr Lobster | 2 | $50.00 | $200.00 | FREE | |
| Cape Porpoise Lobster Company | 2 | $29.56 | $118.27 | FREE | |
| Lucky Catch Lobster | 2 | $31.60 | $107.99 | FREE |
While the companies in the grid above are all reputable, free shipping isn’t always as good a deal as it appears. In the section below, we’ll unpack exactly what free shipping means in the world of Maine lobster delivery.
How Much Does It Cost to Buy Lobster Online?
Shipping costs constitute the largest difference between lobster prices across sizes, from chix to halves. Take, for example, the grid below. Here, you’ll find some of the best lobster companies we’ve come across in terms of product quality and customer service.
| Company | Min. Order | Price/lobster* | Price/4 Lobsters** | Shipping | Go To |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lobster Anywhere | 1 | $50.95 | $252.80 | $49.00 | |
| Sanders Lobster | 1 | $50.00 | $200.00 | FREE | |
| Fulton Fish Market | 2 | $47.78 | $191.61 | Free@$99+ | |
| Lobster Gram | 2 | $65.00 | $327.00 | $61.00 |
You’ll see that some companies that sell lobster online include free shipping, while others include a flat rate or estimate. These numbers don’t mean much. In most cases, the companies that offer lobster online free delivery have factored that cost into the per-lobster rate.
Take Sanders Lobster, for example. They offer free shipping, but the per-lobster price is higher than the other companies. While buyers will need to pay for shipping from Lobster Anywhere, the overall price is lower. In general, if you look at the “Price/4 Lobster” column, you won’t see too much of a difference.
Does Free Shipping Mean a Good Deal?
Not necessarily. Lobster online free shipping doesn’t always save you money. It just allows customers to see the entire order price before check-out. While this can be helpful for people who like to know the total price before checking out, that’s really the only convenience you’ll get. In reality, lobsters from all of these companies will fall within the same $10 range.
If you’re looking to get the best price when purchasing a lobster online, use our “Price/4 Lobster” column to help guide your decision. If you want the best-possible deals, consider subscribing to our newsletters for salmon and lobster.
How Does Shipping Work When You Buy Lobster Online?
Whether you’re paying for shipping when you buy lobster online, the preparing and delivery process will almost always look the same. If you order your lobster early in the day, the company will usually process the order for next-day delivery. Orders received in the afternoon will be processed and shipped the following day.
When the order comes in, the selected lobsters will be gathered and packed into a Styrofoam container. The employee will then pack a cooling agent, like ice or gel packs, into the container, seal it, and send it off to the shipping facility.
When your lobster touches down in your town, the shipping facilitator will deliver the package to your doorstep. We recommend signing up for text alerts for when the package is delivered. If you don’t think you’ll be home when it comes in, leave a note for the delivery person explaining where to leave it. Inside a garage or under some shade is best, as this will help maintain the cooler’s inner temperature.
Once it arrives, assess the cooler’s temperature. Either add ice or transfer the lobster to your refrigerator until it’s time to cook. If your purchase is dead on arrival, check out our guide to dealing with a dead lobster.
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